When Mario Graziani called to say that there was an Allwave CX surfski in Cape Town and would I like to try it, I leapt at the chance. At the same time I was a little apprehensive – what could Italians possibly know about making surfskis?!
(Trying out a new ski is sometimes a little hairy. I tried a prototype once on a big downwind – the ski was a total lemon and had terrible drainage. The cockpit filled with water and the ski became almost uncontrollable. In the words of a Spanish friend, “I fear for my life”!)
First Looks
This is a very good-looking ski. The boat that I paddled had been made in Italy at the Allwave factory there and, judging by the seams, they have build techniques that are more precise than most manufacturers. Every other ski that I’ve ever seen has a thick layer of resin over the seam – which disguises any imperfections in the mating of the deck with the hull. Not the CX.
For a bigger image, click here
For a bigger image, click here
For a bigger image, click here
The CX has quite pronounced "hard chine" - and the precision of the build is shown by that unhidden seam
Deep-V up front; broad and flatter behind